Ok - you've all seen em (maybe you're one of them)...

The guy (or gal) who is so taken with the "Biker Image" that they push everyone around them to be identical, or they put you down. They seem to want everyone to be heavy, full long-length beard, dirty, tattooed, etc. And how dare you wear a helmet. And how dare you ride anything except the bikes that *they* think are cool. The list goes on.

Whenever I come accross this, I have tried to open their minds to a concept.

The concept is conformance.

The stereotypical biker was at least in partabout non-conformance to societal demands.

Well if you buy that, why are you trying to make everyone conform to your view of the right image? If you want to live the real spirit of biking (Freedom, non conformance etc), then you should respect people who decide for themselves how they want to act and dress, not put them down.

My opinion .... anyone who rides any kind of bike is part of my club. I think people who ride are a little different, and they just enjoy the feeling of freedom and exhiliration that comes from 2 wheels. To me, that is the common bond. I don't need everyone to look like me, act like me, and ride the same bike as me.

So there... got my little rant done.

Ready for flames (I like to stir the pot every now and then).

 

You won't get any flames from me. Makes sense.

 

i'm a non-comforming non-conformist.

 

Well said, warren.

 

Sounds good to me.[sm=icon_rock.gif]

 

But of couse you have to conform to their rules! You have to wear the uniform and all of the logo stuff! How else would you know that your cool? Jeez guys! Get with it![sm=yeahsmile.gif][sm=icon_cheers.gif]

 

Works for me.
Oh, it is me
To the Nth degree

 

I would agree with you, but that would kinda be conformance also...

 

Conformance is the disease.....REBELLION is the Cure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ride want you want when you want....................
Wear what you want or not..................
WTF does it matter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks for the good thoughts Warren. I've been riding since 1965 and have riden all of them except Harleys. I am going to buy a new bike for my travels and Harley is in the top two. When ever I'm stopped, I always try and talk to fellow bikers about their rides and their travels, road conditions, food finds, anything. The only cold contacts have been from Harley riders in a bunch. If they are alone they are just as friendly as the rest. If they are in a group they won't even answer a simple question or greeting. That's the one thing that has kept me away from Harleys. At my old age I guess I don't give a **** anymore. I have a Harley talking to me, trying to have me take it home. I think I will.....